Herbstlabyrinth Show Cave

The Herbstlabyrinth (Autumn Labyrinth) near Breitscheid is the show cave of the largest cave system in the German state of Hesse. Hidden in the Westerwald hills, it leads you down a staircase into the Knöpfchenhalle, a tall chamber packed with gleaming white flowstone, stalactites and delicate formations. Tours are limited to small groups, so the experience feels intimate. It is a rewarding detour for nature lovers traveling between Frankfurt and Cologne.

Where it is and how to get there

Breitscheid lies in the Lahn-Dill district of central Germany, near the A45 autobahn between Frankfurt and Dortmund. From Frankfurt it is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car, and from Cologne about 1 hour 30 minutes. A car is the practical choice: about 15 unpaved spaces lie 50 meters from the entrance, and the town hall lot is a 20 to 30 minute walk away. Bus 510 runs to Breitscheid on weekdays and in school holidays, but there is currently no Sunday service.

A cave discovered in the 1990s

Cavers stumbled on the first section, the Advent Cave, on December 11, 1993, at the edge of a limestone quarry. The Herbstlabyrinth was opened in 1994 and linked to it in 1995. Today more than 13 km (8 miles) of passages are known, and exploration continues. The limestone formed as a coral reef in a tropical sea about 400 million years ago.

What you will see

The show cave opened in 2009. The Knöpfchenhalle is about 80 meters long and up to 32 meters high, with huge flowstone "organs", an eight-meter drapery and thousands of tiny calcite buttons. Metal walkways keep you close to the formations without touching them. Photos without flash are allowed. Tours are in German and last just under an hour.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, visits are by guided tour only, on weekends and Hessian public holidays from April to October, hourly from 11 am to 5 pm, with extra Wednesday afternoon tours in school holidays. Hours are reduced in November and December. Adults pay €11, children aged 4 to 14 pay €7. With only 13 people per tour, book online in advance.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you love caves: the formations are exceptionally clean and white. Bring a warm layer (the cave stays at about 9 °C / 48 °F) and be ready for 124 steps. The cave is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers or pets.